CN100468216C

CN100468216C - Image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN100468216C
Application number: CNB2006101277962A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 柴木诚司; 斋田忠明; 近藤俊作; 峯隆太
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2005-09-08
Filing date: 2006-09-08
Publication date: 2009-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-08
Also published as: US7433621B2; CN1928729A; JP4594199B2; US20070053710A1; JP2007072294A

Abstract

An image forming apparatus including an adjustment unit adapted to adjust an image to be formed by an image forming unit advises the next adjustment execution timing on the basis of cumulative use information obtained by the image forming unit, and changes the advised adjustment timing on the basis of selection input.

Description

Image forming apparatus

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of definition technique, relate in particular to a kind of adjustment that image is formed and carry out the image forming apparatus of regularly informing the user and controlling this adjustment execution timing.

Background technology

Traditionally, known electronic photographic image forming device is because photoreceptor or developing cell changes for a long time or the variation of the temperature of its surrounding environment or humidity can cause the variation of image color for example.In order to address this problem, proposed a kind of in the suitable technology of such as the parameter factors of for example charge bias voltage or the development bias voltage etc. that influence toner image concentration of regularly adjusting with stabilized image concentration.

For example, in order to use a plurality of image-carriers to form coloured image, this technology for detection is transferred to predetermined pattern-information on the shared transfer member such as transfer belt, and (test pieces, testpatch), wherein this transfer belt is transferred to the visual image on the image-carrier on the transfer materials.After this, usually carry out the control toner concentration method, control exposure method or measure the concentration of test pieces and according to the method for image forming part treatment for correcting condition.

In order to use a plurality of image-carriers to form coloured image, also known following method: detect test pieces and correction and make the timing of the image viewing (visualize) on the respective image carrier to proofread and correct chromatography inaccurate (color misregistration).

When image forming apparatus satisfies the predetermined conditions such as accumulation printing counting that set in advance, periodically carry out these image adjustment in the preset time section and handle.For example, if current printing counting has reached accumulation printing counting in image formation operation process, then carry out image adjustment processing sometimes.In this case, for example, present image concentration changes after the image adjustment is handled sometimes.Therefore, only under predetermined condition periodically carries out image adjust undertreatment suitably to adjust decrease in image quality to be formed.

In order to address this problem, Japanese kokai publication hei 10-307448 communique discloses a kind of equipment that image is adjusted function that has, be necessary carries out image adjustment processing if the user judges, then this image adjustment function allows him to handle by the adjustment of manual operation carries out image.

Unfortunately, when allowing the user only to carry out the adjustment processing by manual operation, following problem appears in the disclosed image forming apparatus of above-mentioned Japanese kokai publication hei 10-307448 communique.

(1) even after image forming apparatus has automatically performed image adjustment processing, the user can not know the time of having carried out when the image adjustment is handled immediately.In this case, handle to user's possible errors by the adjustment of manual operation carries out image.This is used for image with waste and forms the consumer goods and the required time of image adjustment processing of handling of adjusting.

(2) especially, even in the time will handling the print job that comprises a small amount of number of pages that not consider decrease in image quality and print at short notice, also to handle based on the unified carries out image adjustment automatically of predetermined condition.Handle owing in the process of carrying out print job, carry out the image adjustment, thereby the processing of print job is interrupted.This has greatly prolonged the processing time of print job.

(3) though when by the manual operation executed image when adjusting, handle if automatically perform the image adjustment based on predetermined condition, then as mentioned above, also can change after the image adjustment of current images quality in handling a print job handled.

Consider that above problem of the prior art made the present invention, and, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of definition technique, this definition technique allows the criterion (criterion) of user's assurance till next image is adjusted processing execution, so that select image to adjust processing execution plan (schedule) according to the degree of image quality decrease or pending image formation operation.

Summary of the invention

In order to realize above purpose,, provide a kind of image forming apparatus that comprises following configuration according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, a kind of definition technique can be provided, this definition technique allows the criterion of user's assurance till next image is adjusted processing execution, so that form operation according to the degree of image quality decrease or pending image, selects image to adjust the processing execution plan.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of image forming apparatus, this image forming apparatus comprises: adjustment unit is used to adjust the image that is formed by image formation unit; Indicative control unit is used to inform that expression obtains by described adjustment unit that next adjusts that information is used in quantity information regularly and the accumulation that is obtained by described image formation unit and the combination of the adjustment ratio information at interval that obtained by described adjustment unit; And timing control unit, be used for based on select input with the adjustment of being informed regularly change over early than or be later than this next adjusted regularly, wherein, described indicative control unit shows this quantity information and the combination of this ratio information and the selection input window that is used to change the adjustment timing of being informed on same display unit.

The invention enables to repeat image adjustment processing with avoiding waste, and can prevent the variation of picture quality and begin the image adjustment delay in the processing time when handling.

To the explanation of exemplary embodiments, further aspect of the present invention is apparent by following (with reference to accompanying drawing).

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the integrally-built cut-open view that schematically shows according to the electrofax color copy machine of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 A～2C is used to explain that the adjustment according to the embodiment of the invention begins sequential chart regularly;

Fig. 3 is used to explain the process flow diagram of carrying out timing according to the image adjustment control of the embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is the figure that the LCD demonstration of regularly selecting according to the adjustment of the embodiment of the invention is shown; And

Fig. 5 illustrates according to the embodiment of the invention the figure of the window on the LCD that informs the user as the adjustment/cleaning announcement information of the criterion till carrying out up to next image adjustment.

Embodiment

First embodiment

Hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawing embodiments of the invention are described.Fig. 1 is the integrally-built cut-open view that schematically shows according to the electrofax color copy machine (image forming apparatus) 100 of the embodiment of the invention.Electrofax color copy machine 100 comprises and yellow, cyan, magenta and the corresponding a plurality of parallel image formation units of black.Electrofax color copy machine 100 is the coloured image forming devices that adopt the intermediate transfer scheme.Yet main points of the present invention are not limited to the coloured image forming device.For example, the present invention can be applicable to monochromatic special-purpose image forming apparatus.

The structure of electrofax color copy machine

Electrofax color copy machine 100 comprises image fetching unit 1R and image output unit 1P.The optically read original image of image fetching unit 1R becomes electric signal with the image transitions that is read, and sends it to image output unit 1P.Image output unit 1P comprises a plurality of image formation units 10, paper feed unit 20, intermediate transfer unit 30, fixation unit 40, cleaning unit 50 and control module 70.This embodiment has adopted four parallel image formation units 10, i.e. 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d.

Control module 70 calculates the information (comprising the cumulative frequency that accumulation printing counting and image form) that is obtained by

image formation unit

10a, 10b, 10c and 10d.This information is called as accumulation use information.Control module 70 can also be controlled and be used for a demonstration that the announcement information that is used as the criterion till next adjustment of arranging is informed the user.Control module 70 can also be adjusted based on the selection control that the user imported and carry out regularly.The back describes with reference to the timing controlled of Fig. 3～5 pair reality, and omits its detailed description at this.

Comprise that the operating unit 61 of LCD display unit is disposed in the upper surface of image fetching unit 1R.

Image formation unit

10a, 10b, 10c and 10d have identical structure.The drum type Electrophtography photosensor as first image-carrier, i.e. photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d are supported in

image formation unit

10a, 10b, 10c and 10d rotatable, pivotable ground.The edge is by direction rotating drive photosensitive drums 11a, 11b, 11c and the 11d shown in the

arrow.Charger

12a, 12b, 12c and 12d,

optical system

13a, 13b, 13c and 13d, return mirror (return mirror) 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, developing cell 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d and

cleaning unit

15a, 15b, 15c and a 15d are relative with the outer peripheral face of photosensitive drums 11a～11d along the rotation direction of photosensitive drums 11a～11d.

Charger 12a～12d is to the surperficial uniform charging of photosensitive drums 11a～11d.Optical system 13a～13d is by using the light beams of modulating according to from the recording image signal of image fetching unit 1R such as laser beam, 16a～16d exposes to the surface of photosensitive drums 11a～11d by the return mirror, thereby forms electrostatic latent image on photosensitive drums 11a～11d.

And the developing cell 14a～14d that stores with yellow, cyan, magenta and four kinds of corresponding developers of color of black (below be referred to as " toner ") carries out visual to the electrostatic latent image that is formed on photosensitive drums 11a～11d.Image after visual is transferred to banded intermediate transfer body, promptly on image transfer area Ta, Tb, Tc and the Td of intermediate transfer belt 31.Intermediate transfer belt 31 is as second image-carrier that forms intermediate transfer unit 30.The back will be elaborated to middle transfer printing unit 30.

In the downstream of image transfer area Ta, Tb, Tc and Td,

cleaning unit

15a, 15b, 15c and 15d clean the surface of photosensitive drums 11a～11d by wiping the toner on the intermediate transfer body of not being transferred to that remains on photosensitive drums 11a～11d off.Above-mentioned processing allows to use each toner to form image in proper order.

Paper feed unit 20 comprise

box

21a and 21b, manually insert pallet 27, pick-

up roller

22a, 22b and 26, intake roller to 23, paper feed guides 24 and registration roller 25a and

25b.Box

21a and 21b and manually insert pallet 27 and store transfer materials P.Pick-

up roller

22a or 22b or 26 give one by one from

box

21a or 21b or 27 and send transfer materials P.Intake roller is further carried from pick-

up roller

22a or 22b or 26 transfer materials that the send P that gives 23.When regularly mating with the image formation of image formation unit,

registration roller

25a and 25b are transported to secondary transfer printing district Te with transfer materials P.

Then describe intermediate transfer unit 30 in detail.Intermediate transfer belt 31 keeps tension simultaneously around driven roller 32, driven voller 33 and secondary transfer printing opposed roller 34 between them.Driven roller 32 transmits driving force by intermediate transfer belt 31.Driven voller 33 is as the jockey pulley that applies suitable tension force by the bias spring (not shown) to intermediate transfer belt 31.Drive driven voller 33 by pivot intermediate transfer belt 31.Between driven roller 32 and driven voller 33, form primary transfer plane A.Intermediate transfer belt 31 uses PET (polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate) or PVDF materials such as (polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride).The metal surface of driven roller 32 is coated with the rubber (urethanes (urethane) or chlorbutadiene (chloroprene)) with several millimeters thickness and is being with 31 slippages to prevent it.The impulse motor (not shown) drives driven roller 32 rotationally under the control of control module 70.

In each relative image transfer area Ta～Td of each photosensitive drums 11a～11d and

intermediate transfer belt

31,35a～35d is arranged on the reverse side of intermediate transfer belt 31 with the primary transfer charger.Secondary transfer roller 36 is relative with secondary transfer printing opposed roller 34.Form secondary transfer printing district Te between secondary transfer roller 36 and the intermediate transfer belt 31 by being clamped in.Utilize suitable pressure to make secondary transfer roller 36 press intermediate transfer belt 31.

The cleaning unit 50 that will be used to clean the image formation surface of intermediate transfer belt 31 is arranged in the downstream of the secondary transfer printing district Te of intermediate transfer belt 31.Cleaning unit 50 comprises the used toner box 52 that is used to remove the cleaning balde 51 of the toner on the intermediate transfer belt 31 and is used to store used toner.

Fixation unit 40 comprises

fixing roller

41a and 41b, guides 43, photographic fixing heat-

insulating cover

46 and 47, inner exit roller 44, outside exit roller 45 and discharge tray 48.Fixing roller 41a comprises heating sources such as halogen heater.Make fixing roller 41b (also comprising heating source in some cases) press fixing roller 41a.Guides 43 is directed to roller to the roll gap portion between 41a and the 41b with transfer materials P.Photographic fixing heat-insulating

cover

46 and 47 thermal barrier properties that will be produced by fixation unit 40 are in inside.Inner exit roller 44 and outside exit roller 45 further will be directed to device external to the transfer materials P that 41a and 41b discharge from roller.Discharge tray 48 is piled up transfer materials P.

The operation of electrofax color copy machine

Then explanation has the operation of the electrofax color copy machine of said structure.When control module 70 generates image formation operation commencing signal, begin to be used for from giving the operation of sending transfer materials P with corresponding box 21a of for example selected paper size or 21b etc.

Will with from the corresponding box 21a of epimere give send transfer materials P situation as an example.With reference to Fig. 1, give from box 21a one by one by pick-up roller 22a and to send transfer materials P.Guide transfer materials Ps to 23 by paper feed guides 24 by intake roller, and be transported to registration roller 25a and 25b.At this moment,

stop registration roller

25a and 25b, and the front end that makes transfer materials P is against roll gap portion.Subsequently, when beginning the timing coupling of image formation with image formation unit,

registration roller

25a and 25b begin to rotate.The rotation that

registration roller

25a and 25b be set regularly makes transfer materials P and consistent with each other in secondary transfer printing district Te to the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 by the image formation unit primary transfer.

When control module 70 generated image formation operation commencing signal,

image formation unit

10a, 10b, 10c and 10d formed toner image.Utilize above-mentioned processing, by having applied the primary transfer charger 35d of high pressure, will be positioned at the toner image primary transfer that forms on the photosensitive drums 11d of upstream side in rotation direction to the image transfer area Td of intermediate transfer belt 31 with respect to intermediate transfer belt 31.Toner image after the primary transfer is transported to next image transfer area Tc.At image transfer area Tc, utilize the time delay during the conveying toner image in image formation unit, form image.By adjust registration with next toner image transfer printing on previous image.Below by repeating identical processing, with four colour toners image primary transfer to intermediate transfer belt 31.

Subsequently, transfer materials P enters secondary transfer printing district Te, and contacts with intermediate transfer belt 31.Under the control of control module 70, when the timing when passing through with transfer materials P is mated, secondary transfer roller 36 is applied high pressure.Utilize this operation, will be transferred on the surface of transfer materials P by the four colour toners images that above-mentioned processing is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 31.After this, carry guides 43 that transfer materials P accurately is directed to roll gap portion between fixing roller 41a and the 41b.By owing to the pressure of roller, four colour toners image fixing are arrived the surface of transfer materials P to hot and its roll gap portion of 41a and 41b.Carry transfer materials P by inner exit roller 44 and outside exit roller 45, it is discharged to outside the equipment, and is deposited on the discharge tray 48.

The explanation that the image adjustment is handled

Then explanation is handled according to the image adjustment of this embodiment.In order to prevent that printing counting or accumulative image according to the change of environment for use or accumulation forms various conditions such as number of times the chromatography of the change of image color or coloured image to occur inaccurate, electrofax color copy machine (image forming apparatus) 100 periodically carries out image adjustment is handled (for example, concentration adjustment control or registration adjustment control) so that these factors are proofreaied and correct.The following processing as the image adjustment describes concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control.The back will illustrate the execution timing that these image adjustment are handled.

The example that this embodiment handles as the image adjustment with concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control.Yet main points of the present invention are not limited to these processing.For example, can be based on user's selection, the execution that control is adjusted with hypograph regularly for example, is used to make the execution of the clean operation that 50 pairs of image formation units of cleaning unit clean; The image that is used to adjust to the required current potential of photosensitive drum charging forms the current potential adjustment; Be used to adjust the transfer printing current potential adjustment of the required transfer printing current potential of the formed toner image of transfer printing; And be used to keep other of quality of the image that forms to adjust the execution of control.

Concentration adjustment control

To describe with the example that concentration adjustment control is handled as the image adjustment.In order to carry out concentration adjustment control, on photosensitive drums 11a～11d, form the toner pattern, and it once is transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 31.Toner pattern read sensor 60 testing result patterns are to adjust and the corresponding image forming conditions of measurement result.That toner pattern read sensor 60 receives light receiving element such as photodiode to be sent by light-emitting components such as LED and by the light of toner pattern reflection.

Electrofax color copy machine (image forming apparatus) 100 according to this embodiment has concentration correction function and the tone adjustment function of adjusting control function as concentration.The concentration correction function is used to detect the concentration of formed toner pattern when changing the development bias value, and with measurement feedback to this bias value that develops.Tone is adjusted the concentration that function is used to detect formed toner pattern when changing exposure keeping the development bias voltage, and gives exposure with measurement feedback.

Registration adjustment control

To describe with the example that registration adjustment control is handled as the image adjustment.Similar with concentration adjustment control, based on by making toner pattern read sensor 60 detect the testing result that the toner pattern is obtained, carry out registration adjustment control.Yet the difference of registration adjustment control and concentration adjustment control is: toner pattern read sensor 60 is measured the toner pattern and is arrived regularly rather than the concentration of toner pattern.In registration adjustment control, toner pattern read sensor 60 is measured the toner pattern and is arrived regularly to give control module 70 with measurement feedback.Control module 70 is based on the measurement result that is obtained by toner pattern read sensor 60, and the image of controlling photosensitive drums 11a～11d forms beginning regularly, is forbidden thereby proofread and correct chromatography.

The executive condition of concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control

The executive condition of concentration adjustment control performed under the control of control module 70 and registration adjustment control then is described.Print count cycle property ground according to the electrofax color copy machine (image forming apparatus) 100 of this embodiment according to accumulation and carry out concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control (following these two operations are referred to as " image adjustment control ") simultaneously.Although adjust the required time of control and adjust control and compare and prolonged with separate to carry out for one, this make can prevent frequent carry out to adjust control.

Control module 70 is judged the necessity of image adjustment control.For example, if with condition "＜condition 1〉during operation handles: if accumulation print counting reach 200 carry out and adjust " be defined as the necessity criterion of image adjustment control, then control module 70 will accumulate print count value and compare as " 200 " of criterion.Reached set preset count in " condition 1 " if counting is printed in accumulation, then control module 70 is judged needs image adjustment control.After carrying out present image adjustment control, control module 70 will accumulate that to print counting clear 0, and control for image adjustment next time and to prepare.

Because this embodiment allows to carry out simultaneously concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control, thereby control module 70 judges at same Rule of judgment (above-mentioned condition 1) and adjusts the necessity of control.Yet, also can be to these control operation branches Rule of judgment that is arranged.In this case, control module 70 can based on and the corresponding accumulation of each control operation print comparative result between counting and the Rule of judgment that these control operation branches are arranged, judge and adjust the necessity of controlling.

Except that the adjustment relevant with registration adjustment control with concentration adjustment control, for example, when carrying out the clean operation by cleaning unit 50 and be used to keep other of quality of formed image to adjust control, can be provided with and be used to judge the different Rule of judgment of Rule of judgment (above-mentioned condition 1) of adjusting timing.In this case, control module 70 is measured accumulation and is printed various conditions such as counting and accumulative image formation number of times, and judges whether measured various conditions have reached set Rule of judgment.

With reference to the demonstration example of process flow diagram among Fig. 3 and the LCD shown in Fig. 4 timing being carried out in image adjustment control describes.

Behind the power supply of connecting electrofax color copy machine 100, flow process enters step S301.Electrofax color copy machine 100 enters holding state and prints sign on to wait for.If control module 70 is judged the user at step S301 and sent printing sign on (step S301 is a "Yes"), then flow process enters step S302.

At step S302, regularly select window to be presented on the LCD of operating unit (not shown) adjustment as shown in Figure 4.This LCD shows the demonstration control based on control module 70.

If the user selects on LCD by being used to specify of Reference numeral 401 expression self-adjusting " carry out and print " here, then control module 70 will represent that the variable (pattern) of adjustment modes is arranged to " 3 ".

If the user is " adjusting carry out then begin to print " that be used to specify before beginning operation carries out image adjustment control selected on the LCD by Reference numeral 402 expressions, then control module 70 will represent that the variable (pattern) of adjustment modes is arranged to " 1 ".If the user selects to be forbidden in carrying out operation process by being used to specify of Reference numeral 403 expressions image adjustment control " not adjusting " in carrying out operation process, then control module 70 will represent that the variable (pattern) of adjustment modes is arranged to " 2 ".When the user selected in the adjustment modes any one on LCD, flow process entered step S303.If the user regularly selects on the window in the given time without any input in the adjustment shown in Fig. 4, then control module 70 can be arranged to adjustment modes default value and enter step S303 automatically to make flow process.

At step S303, control module 70 judges whether the value of the variable (pattern) of expression adjustment modes is " 1 ".If the value of this variable (pattern) is " 1 " (is "Yes" at step S303), then flow process enters step S304.At step S304, under the control of control module 70, carry out above-mentioned image adjustment control.After finishing adjustment, the counting zero clearing is printed in the accumulation of the criterion that will carry out as automatic adjustment at step S305 control module 70.After will accumulating the zero clearing of printing counting, flow process enters step S306.

If control module 70 is not " 1 " in the value that step S303 judges variable (pattern), then flow process enters step S306.Under the control of control module 70, carry out printing.

At this moment, at step S307, control module 70 adds up after printing and prints counting.

At step S308, control module 70 judges whether the value of the variable (pattern) of expression adjustment modes is " 2 ".If the value of variable (pattern) is " 2 " (step S308 is a "Yes"), then flow process enters step S309.If control module 70 is not " 2 " in the value that step S308 judges variable (pattern), then flow process enters step S312.

At step S309, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of the necessity criterion of image adjustment control (for example, in the condition 1 set " 200 ").Reach " 200 " (step S309 is a "Yes") if counting is printed in accumulation, then flow process enters step S310.At step S310, under the control of control module 70, carry out above-mentioned image adjustment control.After adjusting, control module 70 is printed the counting zero clearing in the accumulation of the criterion that step S311 will carry out as automatic adjustment.After will accumulating the zero clearing of printing counting, flow process enters step S312.

At step S312, control module 70 judges whether to have finished the printing to all pages.If print one page (step S312 is a "No") down, then flow process turns back to step S306 and carries out the processing that begins from step S306 in the same way.

If control module 70 is judged at step S312 and has been finished the printing of all pages and the following one page that will not print (step S312 is a "Yes"), then control module 70 will be accumulated to print counting and count (for example, " 200 ") as the printing of criterion and compare.Reach " 200 " (step S313 is a "Yes") if counting is printed in accumulation, then flow process enters step S314.At step S314, under the control of control module 70, carry out above-mentioned image adjustment control.After finishing adjustment, at step S315, the counting zero clearing is printed in the accumulation of the criterion that control module 70 will be carried out as automatic adjustment.If control module 70 is judged the accumulation printing at step S313 and is counted the printing counting that does not reach yet as criterion, then not carries out image adjustment control.Flow process turns back to step S301.

Then adjust beginning regularly with reference to Fig. 2 A～2C explanation.Fig. 2 A～2C has exemplified in execution and has carried out operation 2 situation of (comprising to be printed 20 pages) afterwards when accumulating the operation 1 (comprising to be printed 390 pages) that begins print processing when the printing counting is 0, as example of operation.

Fig. 2 A is that sequential chart is regularly carried out in the image adjustment control that illustrates when the user regularly selects the window indication by being used to specify of Reference numeral 401 expressions self-adjusting " carry out and print " by the adjustment shown in Fig. 4.

In Fig. 2 A, as in the prior art, control module 70 with the identical timing of timing of image adjustment control, carries out image adjustment control.When under the control of control module 70, beginning the processing of operation 1 (Fig. 2 A-a), the page or leaf of order print job 1.Every printing one page will be accumulated and print counting increase by 1.Control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of criterion (for example, in condition 1 set " 200 ").Reach " 200 " if counting is printed in accumulation, then control module 70 temporary transient interruption printings are with carries out image adjustment control (concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control) (Fig. 2 A-b).After finishing image adjustment control, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting clear 0 to restart printing (Fig. 2 A-c).After the printing of 1 the last page of fulfiling assignment, it is 190 that counting is printed in accumulation.Control module 70 turns back to holding state then, and is ready to accept next operation (Fig. 2 A-d).

When processing when (comprising to be printed 20 pages) (Fig. 2 A-e) of beginning operation 2 under the control of control module 70, the page or leaf of order print job 2.Every printing one page will be accumulated and print counting increase by 1.When the printing of finishing 10 pages, control module 70 is judged accumulation and is printed counting and reached 200.Control module 70 temporary transient interruption printings are with carries out image adjustment control (concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control) (Fig. 2 A-f).After finishing image adjustment control, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting clear 0 to restart printing (Fig. 2 A-g).After the printing of 2 the last page of fulfiling assignment, it is 10 that counting is printed in accumulation.Control module 70 turns back to holding state then, and is ready to accept next operation (Fig. 2 A-h).

Fig. 2 B is that sequential chart is regularly carried out in the image adjustment control that illustrates when the user regularly selects the window indication carrying out " carrying out between operational period and do not adjusting " of forbidding image adjustment control between operational period by being used to specify of Reference numeral 403 expressions by the adjustment shown in Fig. 4.

In Fig. 2 B, when under the control of control module 70, beginning the processing of operation 1 (Fig. 2 B-a), the page or leaf of order print job 1.Every printing one page will be accumulated and print counting increase by 1.Control module 70 not carries out image adjustment is controlled till 390 pages printing finishing the last page that comprises operation 1.After the printing of finishing all pages, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of criterion (for example, in condition 1 set " 200 ").If printing counting, accumulation surpasses " 200 ", then control module 70 carries out image adjustment controls (Fig. 2 B-b).After finishing image adjustment control, control module 70 is printed clear 0 (Fig. 2 B-c) of counting with the relevant printing (Fig. 2 B-d) of beginning and next operation 2 with accumulation.After the printing of 2 all pages of fulfiling assignment, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of criterion (for example, in condition 1 set " 200 ").If printing counting, accumulation reaches " 200 ", then control module 70 carries out image adjustment control.In this case, accumulation printing counting is 20 (Fig. 2 B-e).Control module 70 turns back to holding state and non-carries out image adjustment control then, and is ready to accept next operation.

Fig. 2 C is the sequential chart that the execution timing is controlled in the image adjustment when " beginning to print after adjustment is carried out " that the carries out image adjustment is controlled when the user regularly selects the window indication beginning operation by being used to specify of Reference numeral 402 expressions by the adjustment shown in Fig. 4 before is shown.

In Fig. 2 C, when beginning the processing of operation 1 under the control of control module 70, it carries out above-mentioned image adjustment control, will accumulate then and print clear 0 (Fig. 2 C-a) of counting.Subsequently, the page or leaf of order print job 1 under the control of control module 70.Every printing one page will be accumulated and print counting increase by 1.Control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of criterion (for example, in condition 1 set " 200 ").Reach " 200 " if counting is printed in accumulation, then control module 70 temporary transient interruption printings are with carries out image adjustment control (Fig. 2 C-b).After finishing image adjustment control, control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting clear 0 to restart printing (Fig. 2 C-c).After the printing of 1 the last page of fulfiling assignment, it is 190 that counting is printed in accumulation.Control module 70 turns back to holding state then, and is ready to accept next operation (Fig. 2 C-d).

When beginning the processing of operation 2 (comprising to be printed 20 pages) under the control of control module 70 (Fig. 2 C-e), it carries out above-mentioned image adjustment control, will accumulate then and print clear 0 (Fig. 2 C-f) of counting.Subsequently, when beginning the processing of operation 2 (comprising to be printed 20 pages), the page or leaf of order print job 2.Every printing one page will be accumulated and print counting increase by 1.Control module 70 will be accumulated and print counting and compare as the printing counting of criterion (for example, in condition 1 set " 200 ").Reach " 200 " if counting is printed in accumulation, then control module 70 temporary transient interruption printings are controlled with the carries out image adjustment.In this case, because operation 2 comprises 20 pages altogether, thereby accumulation printing counting can not reach 200.Therefore, fulfil assignment 2 execution and non-carries out image adjustment control (Fig. 2 C-e).When fulfiling assignment 2 execution, it is 20 that counting is printed in accumulation.Yet, because control module 70 carries out image adjustment control before beginning operation then, thereby it will accumulate printing counting clear 0 when beginning this operation.

The timing controlled relevant with above-mentioned image adjustment is not limited to concentration adjustment control and registration adjustment control.Timing controlled even can be applicable under the control of control module 70 to start the situation of cleaning unit 50.In this case, control module 70 in predetermined timing (for example, timing when after carrying out cleaning, beginning to print, the timing when between the execution operational period, not cleaning or the timing when the relatively execution cleaning between the printing counting of printing counting based on accumulation and being provided with) as criterion, start cleaning unit 50, middle transfer printing is treated 31 image formation surface cleans.

For informing of user

Control module 70 can be controlled and be used for a demonstration that the adjustment announcement information that is used as the criterion till next image adjustment is carried out is informed the user.

Fig. 4 illustrates and is used to select to adjust LCD display window regularly.Show this window of bar shaped Figure 40 4 in combination by message 401,402 and 403 with the selection importation that is used for selecting adjustment modes, control module 70 as the criterion till carrying out up to next image adjustment visually/sense organ on discernible adjustment announcement information inform the user.With bar chart 404, control module 70 is carrying out quantity announcement information regularly about next image adjustment, and promptly the residue till adjustment regularly arrives is printed counting and informed the user.

Bar chart 404 among Fig. 4 is printed counting to current accumulation and is informed the user with respect to the criterion of the printing counting (for example, being set to " 200 " in this embodiment) that is provided with as Rule of judgment.For example, suppose that it is 170 that counting is printed in current accumulation.By calculating 170 (page or leaf) ÷, 200 (page or leaf) * 100, control module 70 can show on the window on the LCD: counting is adjusted criterion 200 at interval for conduct 85% (control module 70 shows accumulation printing counting and this adjustment ratio at interval) printed in current accumulation.With this bar chart 404, control module 70 shows up to the residue of adjusting till regularly arriving prints counting.Utilize this operation, control module 70 is informing the user about the quantity announcement information of adjusting on vision/sense organ regularly.

Based on printing the display result of the combination of counting as this bar chart with up to the residue of adjusting till regularly arriving, it is adjusting under self-regulation mode, being adjusted, or forbidden adjustment by carrying out between operational period of 403 expressions of the Reference numeral among Fig. 4 by carrying out operation begins before of 402 expressions of the Reference numeral among Fig. 4 carrying out between operational period by 401 expressions of the Reference numeral among Fig. 4 that the user can suitably select on the same window.That is to say that the user can hold the criterion till next image is adjusted processing execution, so that select image to adjust processing execution regularly.

Fig. 5 is illustrated in being used for informing the figure of user's window as the adjustment/cleaning announcement information of the criterion till carrying out up to next image adjustment on the LCD.Control module 70 is controlled with display window, this window comprise as from finish announcement information that current operation begins the criterion in time period till next image adjustment is carried out, with combination as the cleaning announcement information of the criterion till carrying out up to next clean operation of cleaning unit 50.

Adjust announcement information display part 510 show bar shaped Figure 40 4, till next image adjustment operation is carried out by the printing counting (in Fig. 5, being 30 pages (=200 (page or leaf)-170 (page or leaf))) of Reference numeral 501 expressions and allow the user manually input be used for carrying out the adjustment execution button of representing by Reference numeral 502 of the selection adjusted at current point.When the user pressed the adjustment execution button of being represented by Reference numeral 502, control module 70 can switch to processing image adjustment operation and carry out, and counts and do not consider to accumulate printing.

Cleaning announcement information display part 520 show current accumulation print counting with respect to the criterion of set printing counting inform user's cleaning executive plan bar chart 505, till next clean operation is carried out by the printing counting of Reference numeral 506 expressions and allow the user manually input be used for carrying out the cleaning execution button by Reference numeral 507 expressions of the selection of cleaning at current point.When the user pressed the cleaning execution button of being represented by Reference numeral 507, control module 70 can switch to processing clean operation and carry out, and counts and do not consider to accumulate to print.

According to the demonstration among Fig. 5, for example, when carrying out automatically as the concentration adjustment control of the adjustment control that is used to keep picture quality or registration adjustment control, maybe when carrying out clean operation etc., control module 70 makes visual and this information notification user as the announcement information of the criterion till carrying out up to next.When the user judges the decrease in image quality degree when big, he presses by the adjustment of Reference numeral 502 expressions and carries out button or carry out button by the cleaning of Reference numeral 507 expressions, and does not consider to adjust selection setting regularly with reference to Fig. 4 is described.This makes the execution that can select for example to adjust regularly handle with carries out image adjustment immediately.

As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, can provide a kind of criterion that is used to allow the user to hold till next image is adjusted processing execution to form the definition technique that the plan of image adjustment processing execution is selected in operation with degree and pending image according to image quality decrease.

This feasible ground multiimage adjustment that can avoid waste is handled, and can prevent the variation of picture quality and begin the image adjustment delay in processing time when handling.

Other embodiment

Purpose of the present invention even can be achieved like this: the storage medium (or recording medium) of software program code that record is used to realize the function of the foregoing description offers system or equipment, and makes the computing machine (or CPU or MPU) of this system or equipment read and carry out the program code that is stored in this storage medium.

In this case, the program code of reading from storage medium itself is realized the function of the foregoing description, and stores storage medium formation the present invention of this program code.Not only when carrying out the program code read, but also, can realize the function of the foregoing description when operation operating system (OS) on computers during based on the instruction operating part of this program code or whole actual treatment by computing machine.

When the program code that will from storage medium, read write the function expansion card that inserts in the computing machine or with functional expansion unit that computing machine is connected in storer in, and the CPU of this function expansion card or functional expansion unit also can realize the function of the foregoing description based on the instruction operating part of this program code or all during actual treatment.

When applying the present invention to storage medium, the process flow diagram corresponding programs code among its storage and above-mentioned Fig. 3.

Although describe the present invention, should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to disclosed exemplary embodiments with reference to exemplary embodiments.The scope of following claims meets the wideest explanation, to comprise all these class modifications, equivalent structure and function.

Claims

1. image forming apparatus, it comprises:

Adjustment unit is used to adjust the image that is formed by image formation unit;

Indicative control unit is used to inform that expression obtains by described adjustment unit that next is adjusted quantity information regularly and uses the combination of information with respect to the adjustment that is obtained by described adjustment unit ratio information at interval with the accumulation that is obtained by described image formation unit; And

Timing control unit, be used for based on select input with the adjustment of being informed regularly change over early than or be later than this next adjusted regularly,

Wherein, described indicative control unit shows this quantity information and the combination of this ratio information and the selection input window that is used to change this adjustment timing of being informed on same display unit.

2. image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described timing control unit makes described adjustment unit carry out before the beginning carries out image forms operation based on described selection input and adjusts.

3. image forming apparatus according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described timing control unit is carried out based on the described adjustment unit of described selection input inhibit and adjusted till finishing image formation operation.

4. image forming apparatus according to claim 1, it is characterized in that described adjustment comprises concentration adjustment, registration adjustment at least, forms a kind of in adjusting of current potential adjustment and transfer printing current potential based on image adjustment, the image of the described image formation unit of the clean operation of cleaning unit.